A Complete List Of Distractions To Avoid While You’re Driving

As we close out National Distracted Driving Awareness Month we wanted to take one last opportunity to remind you of all the distractions that could potentially affect your ability to avoid a New Haven auto accident injury.  We will take other opportunities throughout the year to continually remind you of these distractions that can cause serious injuries or worse, but we wanted to make sure there was one place you could go to have a full list and bookmark it so you could review it from time to time.

Distractions are not often highlighted when you’re taking a test to get your license or when you’re learning how to drive from a family member or friend, so it is important that you brush up on these distractions from time to time.  We recommend no distractions at all when behind the wheel because your number one focus should be on the safety and security of yourself and the passengers in your vehicle.  Here is a list of all the distractions you should avoid when behind the wheel of a vehicle;

1.) Your cellphone and anything that needs your cellphone to operate.  If you need maps or music or to send a text message or any other function of your phone you must put your car in park and utilize it then.  When you are finished, stow your phone.

2.) Your car’s “infotainment system.”  Todays cars are coming with bigger and bigger screens which means more and more distractions.  Interact with these screens only when you are in Park.

3.) Food.  Avoid eating at all costs behind the wheel.

4.) Friends.  It can be tempting to get into a deep conversation with a friend, especially when on a long road trip, but this is a perfect way to get distracted.  Keep conversations on the surface until you come to a complete stop.

5.) Pets.  You may want to ride in the car with your furry friend, but they should always be safely secured inside a carrier when being transported in your vehicle.  Pets are unpredictable and can cause serious harm.

6.) Personal hygiene.  Using an electric razor, a hair brush, makeup, or any other form of personal hygiene product while you’re driving can be the biggest distraction of them all.  Avoid this at all costs.

If we missed any distractions, let us know and we’ll add it to the list.  The bottom line is if you want to stay out of a New Haven auto accident you need to stay out of the business of being distracted while behind the wheel.  If you get to your destination or have come to a complete stop you should feel free to engage in any of the activities listed above, but until then you should keep your hands on the wheel and avoid distractions at all costs.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle or a passenger in a vehicle that is in an accident and you are injured you may wish to speak with an attorney about your accident.  Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case and work with you to protect your long-term interests.